I want to do something different now: Aparna Sen

Award-winning filmmaker and actor Aparna Sen has never flinched from going against the grain and her work has always been ahead of its time. Her latest venture, Sonata, revolving around three unmarried, middle-aged college friends, has just hit the big screen. Needless to say, this film adaptation of Mahesh Elkunchwar’s play is a piece of cinematic genius. The film is already earning rave reviews. During an interview with Femina earlier, Sen talked about how she is keen on experimenting with newer forms. Excerpts:

You are constantly reinventing yourself. Where do you draw your inspiration from? How do you keep yourself so active?

It's my will power I guess! Earlier, I'd think that my whole world would collapse if my film didn't turn out well. I have become somewhat dispassionate now. I realise that some films will be good, some bad. But still I do get cold feet before my films’ opening nights.

After your film, 'The Japanese Wife’, you seem to be relying more and more on literary texts. You made a Hindi film, Saari Raat, which is based on Bengali playwright Badal Sircar’s work. Are you trying to experiment with a different kind of cinematic possibility altogether?

Yes, I had been choosing literary texts for my films of late. Saari Raat was part of a project, 'Zeal for Unity’, that invited six Pakistani directors and six Bengali directors to make films. I am trying to break away from my usual kind of films that showed everyday lives and were centred on individuals. I want to do something different now. I am trying to experiment with form, lighting, production design and so on.

Have you watched any experimental films in Bollywood recently?

I really liked 'Talvar', Kanu Behl’s 'Titli’ and in the Bengali film industry, Aditya Bikram Sengupta’s National Award winning film, 'Asha Jaowar Majhe' (Labour of Love), a silent film.

Was staying away from Bollywood a conscious choice?

I wanted to make a film with some stars there. It didn't work out and it wasn't a nice experience. In fact, acting in or directing Hindi films in Mumbai - I don't like the word, 'Bollywood’ - somehow didn't work out for me. I don't quite like the star system there - unless you have stars, you won't get budgets. I didn't get much cooperation from the stars there.

How has Konkona evolved as an actor over all these years?

She is a delight to direct. Konkona is a very instinctive actor. She hardly prepares - well, she might be preparing mentally, and she might not know that. Yet whenever she faces the camera, she always seems prepared.

When do we expect to see you and Konkona sharing space on screen?

Well, that can always happen if I am directing and she is acting...

PHOTO: Yogen Shah